Travel smart

I want to buy my boyfriend a piece of jewellery that is special but not necessarily very expensive - something that is unusual but feels quite modern and personal. Valentine

I love bracelets and bangles on men, and they are a good, safe, first piece of jewellery to buy a boyfriend. Jewellery label Seven's sterling-silver bracelets are simple but add a modern twist by incorporating leather and semi-precious stones into designs. Look for the silver and leather bangle (£75). Their necklace range includes a hammered silver cross on a leather rope (£47) and a wooden and silver striped pendant (£50). I would avoid rings: men tend to either love or hate them, and it's impossible to get the size right without dragging your partner along for a fitting. If you are heading into London, check out the first floor men's jewellery department in Selfridges, which should have something to suit the pickiest partner.

I am going on a week's beach holiday by car and luggage space is limited: we're only allowed a small holdall each. Any tips for packing light? Lesley

There are a few tricks you can use. Take two bikinis - push them into your shoes when you're packing - and one swimsuit you can wear in the day but dress up with shorts or skirt for night time. Invest in black shorts that are great for the beach, but look smart enough to wear to a restaurant or bar. Two dresses should see you through the week - choose one plain frock which you can accessorise, to play with its look, and one printed. Roll up a belt in your holdall's side pocket - a belt is useful for changing your look and altering the shape of your dress. Pack a lightweight cardigan: you may well be glad of a cover-up at night, and slipping it on will transform your dress into a skirt and top. Wear your heaviest shoes to travel and slip a simple pair of metallic or pretty flip-flops into your case for daywear. Finally, decant your toiletries into smaller travel containers, and you should have room for some holiday souvenirs.